If you have a solicitation of prostitution charge in California, you probably worry about your future and wonder what you should do next.
A conviction for sexual solicitation could land you in jail, tarnish your reputation, and wreak havoc with your family life.
Even facing allegations of soliciting prostitution without a conviction could cause you significant trouble.
If you need a lawyer to help you get the best possible result in your case, criminal defense attorney Kerry L. Armstrong and The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, is the team to call.
With over 40 years of experience and approximately 125 jury trials under our collective belts, our award-winning attorneys have the experience you can trust to give you the best chance for a good outcome.
We offer free and confidential consultations, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by coming by and speaking with us.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Beat A Solicitation Charge in California
What Are the Solicitation Laws in California?
Penal Code section 647 contains the solicitation definition under the criminal law of California.
Under Penal Code section 647(b), solicitation of prostitution is the act of offering money or something else of value in exchange for the performance of a sexual or lewd act.
Simply put, solicitation means a “john” requests another to act as a prostitute.
The crime is complete if the person offers to pay for the performance of a lewd or sexual act and manifests an acceptance of the act by doing something in furtherance of prostitution.
Soliciting a prostitute is a misdemeanor in California. You could go to jail for up to six months and pay a fine of no more than $1,000 if convicted.
What Are Some Solicitation Crime Examples?
There are many examples of soliciting prostitution.
One example is approaching a person on the street in a manner that people might traditionally think of as requesting prostitution.
But with the advent of social media and the internet, soliciting a prostitute could be even more clandestine.
Many escort and similar websites allow people to contact prostitutes and arrange a meeting online instead of patrolling the streets.
Can You Get Arrested for Soliciting Over the Phone?
Yes, it is possible to get arrested for soliciting over the phone. Many law enforcement agencies run sting operations to catch johns in the act.
An officer will pose as a prostitute when potential johns call the line looking to pay for a sexual favor.
Officers arrest the john when they meet at the designated location.
Are Escorts Legal in California?
Escorts are legal in California, but paying for sex is not. Escort services offer companionship and accompaniment.
Any financial arrangement beyond that could be criminal, particularly if it involves sexual acts.
The same applies to “sugar baby/sugar daddy” websites like Seeking Arrangement.
What Are Some Strategies for Avoiding Solicitation Charges?
At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we can use our vast experience to defend your solicitation case.
We will closely examine all of the facts to determine the best course of action.
That might include arguing police entrapment or claiming that you never formed the specific intent to solicit a prostitute.
In some cases, we might be able to say that you never offered anything of value in exchange for sex.
Call Today for a Confidential Consultation
Attorneys at The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, are available to discuss your case.
We ensure the strictest confidentiality so you can discuss your case with us openly.
You can rely on our experience and skill to provide you with the best possible defense.
Our award-winning lawyers often receive media requests because people trust our opinion.
Call today at 619-234-2300 to find out how we can help you.
Kerry L. Armstrong
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